Originally published in 1973, the book focuses on a prominent cross-continent mob under siege by persons unknown. Naturally, conspiracy theories abound; a hostile takeover, a rival mob, a mafioso looking to clean house, or the law finally taking their courtroom justice to the streets.
It's here where the plot gets murky, and quickly. Gill Burke is an ex-cop who hasn't burnt all his bridges on the force, while Mark Shelby is the seeming heir-apparent to the mob throne; book smart and with enough gusto to lead the mob into a violent new age. Both characters are essential pieces to the puzzle who each add a unique perspective to the power struggle.
Having read a lot of books by Mickey Spillane, I think The Last Cop Out is some of his best writing while also being some of his worst. It's this contradiction which makes the book middle-of-the-road as apposed to being something great. On one hand the prose is poetic; pitch perfect noir and back-alley brawl inspired while at other times the plot is disjointed and difficult to follow.
My rating: 3/5 stars. Well worth the patience and persistence if noir is your niche in crime fiction.
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